Smithville United Methodist Church
PO Box 293, 505 N Hwy 169
Smithville, MO 64089
816-532-3200
Celebrating Life through Divine Worship
Fourth Sunday of Advent
December 18, 2011
The time of centering
Advent is a season for prayer and reformation of our hearts. Since it comes at winter time, fire is a fitting sign to help us celebrate Advent…If Christ is to come more fully into our lives this Christmas, if God is to become really incarnate for us, then fire will have to be present in our prayer. Our worship and devotion will have to stoke the kind of fire in our souls that can truly change our hearts. Ours is a great responsibility not to waste this Advent time. (Edward Hays)
PRELUDE Worship begins as the music is played
ENTRANCE OF THE LIGHT
INVOCATION (adapted from Patricia Farris)
As we move into the fourth week of Advent, our eyes are drawn into the future. As we prepare for the birth of the Christ Child, we are reminded of God’s plan for all creation. Advent summons us to the wellsprings of our faith and hope. God has a vision for this earth, a vision in which none shall live afraid, in which the darkness holds more treasure than terror. We light four candles and still watch and wait. How shall you live into God’s vision?
WELCOME
LIGHTING THE 4rd ADVENT CANDLE The Pack Family
READER #1: We have lit three candles—for hope, for peace, and for joy. Today we light the fourth candle—the candle of love. With this flame we signify the love of God that surrounds and fills us at all times, but that we recognize in a special way in the Christmas story. There is no greater power than love. It is stronger than rulers and empires, stronger than grief or despair, stronger even than death. We love, because God loves us.
(Four candles are lit)
READER #2: Loving God, we open ourselves to you this Christmas season. As these candles are lit, light our lives with your imagination. Show us the creative power of hope. Teach us the peace that comes from justice. Fill us with the kind of joy that cannot be contained, but must be shared. Magnify your love within us. Prepare our hearts to be transformed by you, that we may walk in the light of Christ. Amen.
Congregational Response in Song Advent Song (Verse 4) 2090
Light the Advent candle, four: Think of joy for evermore;
Christ Child in a stable born, gift of love that Christmas morn.
Candle, candle, burning bright, shining in the cold winter night;
Candle, candle burning bright, fill our hearts with Christmas light.
PRAISE SONGS "Open Our Eyes" and "The Snow Lay on the Ground"
CALL TO WORSHIP
LEADER:
Listen. Deep in the darkness is the sound of
hope and peace.
PEOPLE: Deep in the midst of despair is a message of new life.
LEADER: Listen. It is coming
closer.
PEOPLE: A bell in the
distance,
LEADER: A sound
of joy,
PEOPLE: An echo of love,
LEADER: A note of promise,
PEOPLE: A melody of praise.
ALL: A chorus of angels announcing the coming of the Light! Listen!
CHILDREN’S SERMON
TIME OF PRAYER
Silent Prayer
Pastoral Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
SPECIAL MUSIC "Prayer at the Manger" Adult Choir and Bev McClellan on the flute
OUR DISCIPLESHIP OF GIVING
Offering
Doxology
Prayer of Dedication
HYMN OF PREPARATION "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" 384
SCRIPTURE Psalm 130:5-7, 2 Peter 1:19b (NIV)
SERMON The Horizon is Bright!
UNISON PRAYER
God of hope and love, help us to keep alive your vision of peace and wholeness. Where hope is a small seed, teach us to have faith in its growing. Where people are finding healing and new life, teach us to recognize you at work. When you come to us in unexpected ways, may we know you and reflect your love. Help us live into a bright future with your promise and presence. Amen.
*HYMN FOR GOING FORTH "O Come, All Ye Faithfull" 234 (Verses 1, 2 & 3)
TAKING THE LIGHT OF CHRIST INTO THE WORLD
BENEDICTION
LEADER: Depart in peace, and take with you the certain knowledge that God is always coming into the world.
PEOPLE: We will seek God, not in a long ago stable or ancient manger but in the people we meet and the depths of our own hearts
LEADER: May the blessings of Christmas make you a blessing to others; may the peace of the season pervade all that you do
PEOPLE: We will welcome the challenge of discipleship. We will offer ourselves as God’s ministers. We will go forth in hope, peace, joy, and love. Amen.
POSTLUDE
*Please stand if you are able when indicated by an asterisk
Ushers for today are the Ron McClellan Family.
Altar flowers given in honor of Dana Welch's birthday by Gene and Sandy Littrell.
Please pray for: Cora Borgmier, Lou Petersen, Carol White, Barb Kravec, Roger and Nona Steinbrink, Charlene Gager's mother, Maxine Douglas' great-granddaughter and for all the people that are having medical or surgical worries.
The memorial book is open in loving memory of Dorothy R. Hendrix.
The Advent study will be held on Wednesday's at 4 and 6 PM
This year’s Advent theme is “Shine! Light for all People.”
Wednesday, December 21: “The Horizon is Bright”
The church is collecting
hats, scarves and mittens to send to Della Lamb. There is a tree in the
Great Room. Please bring them by December 18th
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION MUSIC
AND STAFF APPRECIATION
The Christmas Celebration/Staff Appreciation will be held today, Sunday, December 18th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. It will include a potluck meal as part of this special musical presentation. Turkey will be provided and all those planning to attend will be asked to bring a potato, vegetable side dish, or bread. Sign-ups are posted in the Great Room. If you have any questions, please contact Angie Viebrock, Andrea Knutter, or any of the choir members.
CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT
COMMUNION SERVICE
The Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service, "The Gift of Light," will be held on Saturday, December 24th at 7:00 pm. This will be a time to remember the first Christmas story through readings, songs, and the symbolism of candles, and to celebration the coming of Christ into our lives every day through the sacrament of communion. You are invited to come at 6:30 pm for a time of quiet meditation.
2012 FLOWER CHART
The 2012 Altar flower chart is now available in the Great Room on the bulletin board on the east wall if you wish to sign up for flowers. Flowers are $12.00. Make your check out to SUMC. Please put “flowers” in the memo and drop in the collection or leave in the office. On the chart put your name and what the flowers are for (honor, memory, etc.). If you have any questions please see or call Lu Darr at 532-0106.
WINTER RETREAT
The Cornerstone class is sponsoring their annual retreat at Wilderness Camp the weekend of January 13-15th. For information please contact Lee or Cindy Hunold. The retreat starts Friday late afternoon and runs through Sunday noon.
